Meet The Team

The Suits

Paul Kneeland, President &Chief Executive Officer

pkneeland@channelbuilding.com
Paul began his career in commercial real estate over 30 years ago and has operated in various capacities including sales and business development. During his career, Paul has been directly involved in the leasing and development of over 10 million square feet of commercial, industrial, institutional, office, and retail space representing more than 500 transactions. Since 1998, Paul has served as Channel’s President and CEO. He alongside co-owner, Jerry Diorio, share the responsibility for the overall development of Channel’s vision and strategic and financial initiatives.
Paul spends most of his free time golfing, where he talks about work. He also enjoys the occasional vacation, where he talks about work…remotely. Over cocktails, Paul tries to relax but somehow always finds a way to talk about work. I guess that is a blessing and a curse of being a small-business owner and we are grateful that he works for Channel. He also loves using the ellipsis…at work.

Jerry Diorio Executive Vice President & COO

jdiorio@channelbuilding.com
Jerry’s commitment to construction excellence is evident throughout the diverse projects completed during his 37-year tenure with Channel. His loyal following of satisfied and repeat customers is a testament to the successful outcome of his projects, in terms of exceeding the client’s construction expectations. Since joining the company in 1981, he has experienced every facet of the construction process, including roles as a field superintendent, estimator, project manager and senior project executive. As COO, Jerry is ultimately responsible for all construction projects, delivering superior quality buildings that result in exceptional customer satisfaction and trust. He alongside co-owner, Paul Kneeland, share the responsibility for the overall development of Channel’s vision and strategic and financial initiatives.
With a few minutes to spare each day, Jerry eats lunch from his heirloom lunchbox that has been in the Diorio family for over 100 years. During the summer, our resident Parrothead cranks Jimmy Buffet while exploring the open road in his RV alongside his wife and two grown children. Jerry hopes to retire one day in Margaritaville.

Kyla McGuireController

kmcguire@channelbuilding.com
Kyla has been with Channel for 13 years and as Controller, Kyla is responsible for all day-to-day financial, administrative and information technology functions. Additionally, Kyla participates as a key member of Channel’s executive board that collaboratively develops and deploys strategic and financial initiatives that create growth and value to our stakeholders.
Kyla earned her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Bentley University, an Associate’s Degree in Engineering from Northern Essex Community College as well as a Certificate in Construction Project Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology. She uses her unique and varied skill set to align the operations and accounting departments with the most efficient systems.
During her free time, Kyla carries her assorted interests outside the office with cooking, reading, various crafts, and of course, spending time with her family, as her most important role is Super Mom.

Impact Players

Greg WiechDirector Design & Development

gwiech@channelbuilding.com
Greg’s achievements and award-winning design excellence has become commonplace in his over 30-year tenure with Channel Building. He has coordinated the project design of over seven million square feet and over $200 million in construction contracts in a variety of industries including automotive, institutional, financial, retail and highly complex R&D facilities. Greg earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a minor in Landscape Architecture from State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from Syracuse University. Greg is responsible for all of the company’s comprehensive architectural and structural design programming and insures that all project objectives are clearly established and integrated by all design professionals.
Greg is Channel’s quiet and soft-spoken gentleman, but when he starts talking about his wife and two sons, there’s no stopping him. Outside the office, Greg is a proud and dedicated family man who can usually be found value engineering and design-building his home improvement projects. He’s his own worst client.

John Pearson, AIA, LEED APProject Architect

jpearson@channelbuilding.com
With over 30 years’ experience, John offers Channel an extensive and diverse portfolio in commercial architecture with particular focus in new construction, historic preservation, renovation and adaptive reuse. John holds a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Boston Architectural College and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from Oberlin College. He is a registered Architect in Massachusetts and New Hampshire along with being a member of the American Institute of Architects. As a LEED-accredited professional, John is a valued member of the Channel design team and contributes both technical and professional insight to our projects. As Project Architect, his primary role is to apply the knowledge derived from his years of varied experience toward the aesthetics, functionality and code compliance with a high-caliber command in achieving the best operational and functional outcomes for each project.
John sure has a big heart for building a better community as he is highly active in and around the Merrimack Valley including leadership roles at West Parish Church, United Church of Christ and Andover Community Trust, a non-profit organization that design-builds permanently affordable homes in Andover.

Tom CallahanField Ops Manager &
Sr. Project Superintendent

Joining Channel over 20 years ago, Tom has worked his way up through the ranks in every aspect of the construction process which has gained the admiration and respect of his peers. As our most experienced Superintendent, Tom demonstrates a “no-nonsense, get it done” attitude with meticulous precision that puts most owners at ease knowing their investment is in good hands. Tom excels in the build process from the conceptual development through final construction, and assures that the project is compliant with design and construction documents, completed on time and within budget. He is responsible for overseeing the quality of construction, worker productivity and safety, as well as directs the work of all field personal and subcontractors. Tom’s knowledge of building technologies and his value in the field is incomparable with his experience in a wide variety of construction projects in retail, recreational, automotive, food processing and manufacturing markets.
Outside the office, Tom’s teamwork approach translates to the soccer field. As a youth soccer coach, Tom is extremely proud to mentor his two daughters and their peers in the spirit of collaboration and motivation to achieve a common goal with the help of Bella, team and Channel mascot!

Dave MellenProject Superintendent

Since joining Channel in 2000, Dave has impressively worked his way up through the ranks and held positions such as Carpenter, Foreman and currently, as Project Superintendent specializing in interior fit-outs and small to mid-sized ground-up projects. Dave’s conscientious nature propels him on every job which enables him to always meet or beat deadlines. Not to mention, he’s one of Channel’s best at wood framed structures. At present, Dave’s primary responsibilities span several areas of the build process including scheduling and coordination of material, tools, equipment and subcontractors, adherence to safety practices, quality control and contract documents.
To say Dave is a football “fan” is an understatement and far too general for this aficionado. Dave falls into a category of very few. He’s what Channel defines as a loyal, dedicated watch their team lose year-over-year and still standby them unconditionally kind of “fan”. This type of loyalty and dedication is deeply revered at Channel. That’s why we are his biggest fan!

George KaraianProject Foreman

Since joining Channel in 2000 and equipped with over 25 years’ experience and technical training, George has successfully lead projects as Project Foreman with remarkable proficiency for details and quality in workmanship. Recently, George’s primary responsibilities are to assist or lead the daily field operations of small to mid-sized project. However, when a part of a larger project team, George enthusiastically assumes the Master Carpenter responsibilities as this craft is more talent than a skill. Lucky for us, George’s possess both attributes!
George is not only passionate about construction, but even more passionate for giving. Each year, George competes with a few family members to donate blood to the American Red Cross. Modestly, George confessed he’s up to his third donor card this year! Win or lose, he’s a winner in our book!

Steven JacquesProject Foreman

We were elated when Steven joined the CBC Field team in 2016 as he possesses generations of craftsmanship that make quality and design priceless. From being his father’s apprentice at the young age of eight, we can attest, construction is part of his DNA. As a Project Foreman, Steven’s primary responsibilities are to assist or lead the daily field operations of small to mid-sized projects. However, Steven’s well-rounded, hands on experience in almost all areas of construction will always positively impact the success of any project he’s a part of. Among being a loving, dedicated father and husband, Steven flourishes in the peaceful solitude of hunting, snowmobiling and long rides on his Harley. We envy Steven’s “log off, shut down and get outdoors” ideology…it brings a whole new meaning to “go play outside”!

Chris ParkProject Carpenter

Arriving in 2002, Chris is Channel’s all-around-awesome General Carpenter Extraordinaire with a particular savvy-ness for framing, drywall and concrete forms. Chris’s manual dexterity, exacting skills and hand-eye coordination coupled with his extensive knowledge and training with specialized tools and equipment are the perfect characteristics for this timeless trade. Not to be overshadowed by the fact that Chris is also an accomplished licensed equipment operator which is pretty handy when you need it. Chris is generally found supporting several of our Project Superintendents on projects of various size and complexities.
With the workday in his rear view mirror, Chris slows down the pace of life by riding his motorcycle or snowmobiling in New England’s backcountry and living by three simple principles…ride, eat, sleep…repeat.